Mold Readings & Removal

Dealing with Mold & Moisture

Our Mold Remediation Process

Mold growing inside a building is a serious situation that requires immediate action. It is a common
problem for home and business owners to have, because it can occur any time there has been a water leak, flooding, condensation, or poor ventilation. Once alive and growing, mold colonies can cause
chronic respiratory and sinus illness in building occupants.
If you see discolored areas on the walls, ceiling, or carpet, you know you have a mold problem. Other
red flags that signal mold is flourishing in your inside environment include a musty odor or a feeling of
dampness in the air. Luckily, help in the form of professional mold remediation from American
Catastrophe Emergency Services Group is only a phone call away.

Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation

Some mold removal companies specialize in just that: removing the existing mold you see in your home.
While this service may seem affordable at first glance, it will cost more in the long term, as you continue
to battle mold in the future. A simple removal of the existing mold on the surfaces of your home is not
enough. Without cleaning the air of spores and addressing areas of moisture where they can land and
grow, your mold problem is certain to return eventually.
Mold remediation is a more holistic process in which our technicians employ knowledge of the life cycle
of the mold species to prevent it from reestablishing itself. Besides removing existing mold from the air
and surfaces, we also inspect your home for sources of water damage and high humidity levels. Since it
is scientifically impossible to remove all spores from the air, we focus on creating a plan to return them
to the same natural levels as healthy, outdoor air.

Mold Remediation Process
No two homes are exactly alike, and we take pride in catering our process to your unique situation. Here
are the basic steps we follow in the process of mold remediation, so you will know what kind of quality
service to expect.

Step 1: Answer Your Call for Help
Once you suspect mold, contact us any hour of the day or night at 800-430-5838. A member of our
customer service department will ask you a few questions to get a better idea of the type of mold you
have and the extent of the damage it has caused. Within 15 minutes, we will assign a team of
professionals to your case.

Step 2: Inspect the Home and Assess Damage
Within one hour of your call, expect the arrival of an operation manager to inspect your home or
business for evidence of mold. We look in hidden areas that may not be obvious to the casual observer.
We also collect samples of the mold to determine which species present through third-party laboratory
cultures.

Step 3: Contain Existing Mold
Once the presence of mold is established, our first task is to keep it from spreading throughout the
building. We turn off fans and air conditioning systems, and then isolate the area with negative air

chambers and other physical barriers. These strategies help keep the mold in one place so we can
eliminate it more easily.

Step 4: Filter the Air
We clean your indoor air with a HEPA filter and powerful vacuums that essentially scrub the air until it is
free from contaminants. This step is essential to removing spores and preventing the regrowth of mold.
Our goal is to return the level of airborne spores to the natural level of the outside environment. Most
customers notice an immediate improvement in air breathability.

Step 5: Remove Mold and Infested Building Materials
We do the dirty work of disposing of building materials such as drywall, insulation, wallpaper, and
carpeting that we cannot salvage through intensive cleaning. We clean all other contaminated
structures with antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to remove existing mold and prevent new
spores from establishing themselves.

Step 6: Clean Building Contents and Personal Belongings
You can trust American Catastrophe Emergency Services Group to clean furniture, clothing, curtains, and
other personal items inside your home or business. We use various techniques including wet and dry
cleaning, foams, abrasions, and immersions, depending on the type of material. We also use fogging to
remove the musty smell associated with a mold infestation.

Step 7: Restore the Building to Pre-Mold Condition
The last step is to complete the restoration by installing sound building materials in place of the
damaged ones. Depending on the level of infestation, reconstruction may involve rebuilding entire
rooms or simply replacing panels of drywall, reinstalling wallpaper, or replacing portions of carpeting.
We are not satisfied until there is no noticeable trace of a previous mold infestation.

Our Service Areas:

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Created on March 09, 2022 By

Cory Meister

Mold Removal Mitigation

Am-Cats Ems certification program is designed to provide the correct techniques in responding to mold damage caused by, unexpected water and flood damage and related catastrophes.

1 / 10

Q. Is it safe to live in a house with mold?

A. No, mold contaminants, and allergens like dust mites, and pollen. Can’t be removed 99% of these airborne particles are harmful.

B. Keep Track of Circuit Breaker Trips, look and Listen for Flickering, Buzzing or Dimming Lights, look Out for Frayed or Chewed Wiring, search for Discoloration, Scorching and Smoke, feel for Warm or Vibrating Wall Outlets, smell for Burning and Odd Odors.

C. Poor maintenance is the leading cause of electrical fires, kinks in wiring cause electrical resistance within the wire, which creates heat and could cause an electrical fire. Arcing can lead to a fire and occurs in electrical panels and enclosures, frayed wires, and extension cords, and even in damaged phone chargers.

D. All indoor environments have some mold spores in them, but this does not affect most people. However, people with a compromised immune system may have a higher risk of illness, and especially lung problems, if there are mold spores and mold in the environment. Others may experience allergic reactions.

2 / 10

Q. What does mold do to the body?

A. Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty. A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1-part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it is mold.

B. Mold requires water, food, and oxygen to grow. It also requires an environment with a temperature it can survive. While mold cannot spread without these conditions, its spores may survive in a dormant state until conditions are suitable.

C. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.

D. Mold spores stay airborne indefinitely, but you should know that if a damp spot is unattended to for 24 to 48 hours, then it's likely that the mold spores in the air will congregate on that one spot, forming more mold.

3 / 10

Q. How long does mold stay in the air?

A. To limit your exposure to airborne mold spores, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator.

B. Mold spores stay airborne indefinitely, but you should know that if a damp spot is unattended to for 24 to 48 hours, then it's likely that the mold spores in the air will congregate on that one spot, forming more mold.

C. You'll need to address the cause of the mold – such as water damage, excessive condensation, poor ventilation, and so on. The best way to make sure you get rid of mold in your house is to hire a professional mold inspector. They will conduct a thorough examination of your home and assess the molds that are present.

D. All The Above.

4 / 10

Q. How do you check for mold?

A. You'll need to address the cause of the mold – such as water damage, excessive condensation, poor ventilation, and so on. The best way to make sure you get rid of mold in your house is to hire a professional mold inspector. They will conduct a thorough examination of your home and assess the molds that are present.

B. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and bleach with proper level of mixture, combine ~1 ½ cups bleach per gallon of water or ~⅓ cup bleach per quart of water. Combine ½ cup of bleach per gallon of water or 2 tablespoons of bleach per quart of water.

C. Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty. A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1-part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it is mold.

D. All The Above.

5 / 10

Q. Why is mold a problem?

A. The second strongest oxidant in the world behind atomic fluorine. They are one million times more reactive than ozone, which means they break down a much broader range of odors and pathogens compared to ozone.

B. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

C. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and bleach with proper level of mixture, combine ~1 ½ cups bleach per gallon of water or ~⅓ cup bleach per quart of water. Combine ½ cup of bleach per gallon of water or 2 tablespoons of bleach per quart of water.

D. All The Above.

6 / 10

Q. What are the three things that mold needs in order to grow?

A. Mold requires water, food, and oxygen to grow. It also requires an environment with a temperature it can survive. While mold cannot spread without these conditions, its spores may survive in a dormant state until conditions are suitable.

C. 3% solution makes an effective disinfectant that will kill nearly all types of molds.

D. Sunlight, Freshwater, and dry warm environments.

E. All the Above.

7 / 10

Q. How to avoid breathing in mold or mold spores?

A. Throw away wet materials that can't be cleaned. Wash curtains, clothing, and bedding with hot soapy water. Bleach them whenever possible and then dry and iron them. Flush rugs and furniture with clean water, and shampoo and air-dry them.

B. To limit your exposure to airborne mold spores, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator.

C. Wash mud, dirt, and debris from your house with a hose, starting at the highest point and work down to ground level, where possible, remove all wet items such as floor coverings, rugs, mats, furniture, bedding, linen and clothing. B alert to snakes, spiders and rats that may have taken refuge in your home.

D. Spray the moldy surface completely to saturate the area with hydrogen peroxide. Leave the surface to sit for 10 minutes. Scrub the area to make sure to remove all the mold and mold stains. Wipe down the surface to remove residual mold and spores.

8 / 10

Q. What type of cleanup is involved after a flood?

A. Wash mud, dirt, and debris from your house with a hose, starting at the highest point and work down to ground level, where possible, remove all wet items such as floor coverings, rugs, mats, furniture, bedding, linen and clothing. B alert to snakes, spiders and rats that may have taken refuge in your home.

B. Removing debris, removing any standing water and resolving water damage, removing all the smoke particles and soot accumulation in the home and vents, removing and replacing damaged contents, as well as irradicating the smell of smoke and ensuring the air quality in the home is good.

C. Throw away wet materials that can't be cleaned. Wash curtains, clothing, and bedding with hot soapy water. Bleach them whenever possible and then dry and iron them. Flush rugs and furniture with clean water, and shampoo and air-dry them.

D. B & C

E. A & C

9 / 10

Q. How is mold abatement done?

A. Repair the water problem, isolate the contaminated area, suppress dust, remove materials, place materials in plastic bags, clean the affected area and egress, visibility test.

B. Clear Out Surrounding Rooms and Cover Everything, protect Everything (Including Registers), contain the Dust: Seal off other Doorways, mount a Fan to a Window, to Generating the dust outside, sweep and vacuum at the end of Each Day.

C. Mold professionals seal off the work area, often using plastic sheeting, so that mold spores do not become dispersed throughout the home. Mold professionals use expensive, professional equipment such as HEPA air scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, commercial-strength dehumidifiers, etc. Regular handymen won't have that equipment.

D. A & B

E. A & C

10 / 10

Q. How do you seal off a mold contaminated room?

A. A loose curtain of plastic hung over a doorway with a few strips of tape won't do the job. Instead, completely seal the top and sides with tape and lay a board over the plastic at the bottom. Use heavier 4- or 6- mil plastic and add an adhesive-backed zipper for easy entry.

B. To seal off the room you are about to clean, use plastic sheets with duct tape to cover doorways, vents and any other openings. You also need to minimize dust as mold spores often stick to dust and are then transported around your home by the dust particles. Isolating the work area to prevent cross-contamination of clean, unaffected areas of the home is imperative.

C. Install some door protectors; they protect doors from dents, dirt and paint overspray during construction and remodeling, easy installation; simply hang over door to protect both sides and secure with securing bands provided, reusable lightweight door protector can be taken from job to job.

D. Clear Out Surrounding Rooms and Cover Everything, protect Everything (Including Registers), contain the Dust: Seal off other Doorways, mount a Fan to a Window, to Generating the dust outside, sweep and vacuum at the end of Each Day.

Your score is

The average score is 60%

Questions?

What is Water Damage Restoration?

Water restoration is a specialized service that removes water from your home and restores it to a livable, pre-damaged condition. Restoring a home after a water damage emergency must happen quickly. Standing water and moisture create a perfect environment for bacteria and mold growth.

How do you mitigate water damage in your home?

If your home is subject to serious water damage, due to burst pipes, flooding, fire-extinguishing water hoses or some other unforeseen catastrophe, we must locate the cause of the water leak to turn off or terminate source of water

leakage. Remove surface water then start drying methods before we can start to do a Thorough clean of the compromised area.

What happens when water compromises my Drywall?

more often than usual water damaged causes drywall to be replaced, depending on the rating of the drywall installed / used. Wet drywall will lose its structural integrity if left alone for long enough period of time it will develop mold spores, between the insulation and the drywall.

How Long Is the Drying Process for Water Damaged Home or Office?

Unfortunately, there is no exact estimate on how long the drying process would take. But, in general, a water damaged Home or Office can dry out for around 5-7 days. In some cases, it would take as little as 2-3 days, and other times it takes several weeks to dry out a home or Office.

Why is mold a problem?

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

How expensive is mold removal?

$500 to $4,000 to remove mold from crawlspaces only. $2,000 to $6,000 to remove mold from ducts, crawl spaces, walls, and attics. $10,000 to $30,000 (or more) to repair widespread structural damage.

Dealing with Mold & Moisture

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